Suprecur (buserelin)

How does it work?

Suprecur injection and nasal spray both contain the active
ingredient buserelin, which is a type of medicine known as a gonadorelin (LHRH)
analogue. It acts on the pituitary gland in the brain.

The pituitary gland produces and stores various hormones,
including the sex hormones, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH). In women, FSH and LH cause the production of oestrogen by the
ovaries and help control the menstrual cycle.

The amount of LH and FSH released from the pituitary gland is
controlled by another hormone, called gonadorelin (LHRH). Gonadorelin acts on
LHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, causing the release of LH and FSH and
hence the subsequent production of oestrogen in women.

Buserelin is a synthetic form of gonadorelin. It acts on the
LHRH receptors in the pituitary gland in the same way as natural gonadorelin.

Initially, buserelin causes an increase in the amount of FSH and
LH released from the pituitary gland, with resulting increase in oestrogen
production. However, chronic administration of buserelin desensitises the
pituitary gland. This means that it produces less and less FSH and LH, which in
turn stops the production of oestrogen in women. This reduction in the level
of oestrogen is used to treat endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue resembling the womb or
uterus lining (endometrium) grows in other sites in the body. The growth of
this tissue is stimulated by oestrogen, so decreasing oestrogen levels with
buserelin will stop the growth of this tissue, thereby relieving symptoms.

Buserelin is given by nasal spray to treat endometriosis.

Buserelin is also used in fertility treatment. In women who are
infertile due to problems with their natural ovulation, it is used desensitise
the pituitary gland and stop the natural production of FSH and LH. Synthetic
FSH, LH and hCG (gonadotrophins) are then administered to artificially
stimulate ovulation.

Buserelin can be given by injection under the skin
(subcutaneously) or by nasal spray for infertility treatment.

The buserelin in Suprecur nasal spray is absorbed into the
bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in the lining of the
nose. The medicine is absorbed even if you have a cold, however if this is the
case, you should blow your nose thoroughly before using the spray.

What is it used for?

Endometriosis (nasal spray only). A six
month course of treatment is recommended and this should not be exceeded or
repeated.

Fertility treatment (nasal spray or
injection). This medicine is used to prepare the pituitary gland before starting treatment with
gonadotrophins (FSH and LH) to artificially stimulate ovulation.

Warning!

This medicine may cause side effects such as dizziness and
blurred vision that could reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery
safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine
affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Women with endometriosis should stop taking any oral
contraceptives before starting treatment with this medicine. You should use
alternative, non-hormonal methods of contraception such as condoms to prevent
pregnancy during treatment. This is because although this medicine will stop ovulation, if
treatment is interrupted even for only a few days, ovulation may occur and
there is a risk of pregnancy.

Women with endometriosis will usually get a menstrual period
during the first few weeks of treatment. Some women may also get breakthrough
bleeding during the course of treatment.

A potentially serious complication of using this medicine in combination with gonadotrophins for fertility treatment is overstimulation of the ovaries (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or OHSS). It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort or swelling, weight gain, breathing difficulties or reduced need to pass urine either during or after using this medicine.

Use with caution in

People with a history of depression. Tell your doctor if you think your depression has come back or got worse after starting treatment with this medicine.

People with risk factors for developing osteoporosis, for example smoking, chronic alcohol abuse, a family history of the condition or long-term treatment with anticonvulsant or corticosteroid medicines.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There may be an increased risk of overstimulating the ovaries (OHSS) when this medicine is used in combination with gonadotrophins for fertility treatment, particularly in women with PCOS.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or
any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
previously experienced such an
allergy.

If you feel you have
experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your
doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or
breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or
breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the
unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine must not be used in women who are already
pregnant, because it may be harmful to a developing baby.

Women being treated for infertility must have a pregnancy test
to make sure they are not pregnant before starting this medicine. This medicine
should then be stopped on the day you are given hCG (human chorionic
gonadotrophin) to stimulate ovulation.

Women with endometriosis should use non-hormonal methods of
contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy during treatment with this
medicine. This is because although this medicine will stop ovulation, if
treatment is interrupted even for only a few days, ovulation may occur and
there is a risk of pregnancy. If you think you could be pregnant during treatment, stop using
this medicine and consult your doctor immediately.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Women who are having treatment with this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek further medical advice from your
doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual
people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are
known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated
here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that
or any side effect.

Nasal irritation, nosebleeds, hoarseness and taste or smell
disturbances with the nasal spray.

Reactions at the injection site with the injection.

Hot flushes.

Increased sweating.

Dry vagina.

Decreased sex drive.

Decrease in bone density (reversible on stopping treatment).

Change in breast size, breast tenderness or production of milk.

Appetite and weight changes.

Anxiety or nervousness.

Depression.

Splitting nails.

Dry skin or eyes.

Fluid retention, causing swelling (oedema) of the face, arms or
legs.

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation,
nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.

Dizziness.

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations).

Headache.

Blurred vision.

Sleep disturbances.

Tiredness.

Increase or decrease in scalp or body hair.

Decreased numbers of white blood cells or platelets in the blood. This is very rare, but tell your doctor if you experience any unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever) or other signs of infections while using this medicine, as they could indicate a problem with your blood cells.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side
effects reported by the medicine's
manufacturer.

For more
information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine,
please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor
or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines
you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and
herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly,
check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while
having treatment with this one, to make sure that the
combination is safe.

If you are also using nasal decongestant drops or spray, for
example to relieve a blocked nose during a cold, the decongestant should be used at
least 30 minutes after your buserelin nasal spray.

If you have diabetes, your dose of insulin or antidiabetic
tablets may need to be increased while you are taking this medicine. You should
monitor your blood sugar and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if your
blood sugar control seems to be altered after starting treatment.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Suprefact also contains
buserelin, but is not used for endometriosis or infertility.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.